Lotus to Build MPV | FerrariChat

Lotus to Build MPV

Discussion in 'British' started by Lemke, Feb 10, 2006.

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  1. Lemke

    Lemke F1 Rookie

    Oct 27, 2004
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    Daniel
    #1 Lemke, Feb 10, 2006
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    hopefully this isnt a repost


    http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/64316/lotus_to_build_an_mpv.html
    Lotus to build an MPV!

    Stop the presses, keep telephone lines open and cancel all leave - Lotus is building an MPV! That's not a misprint, and it's not a mistake. One of Britain's most famous sports car brands has turned its hand to making people carriers.

    This official design sketch has been revealed by the supercar firm to preview its new Geneva Motor Show APX star. With sharp lines and a practical five-door shape, the people mover is sure to send shockwaves though the industry.

    However, before you write letters of complaint - or get out your cheque book - the show car won't be wearing Lotus badges. It has been produced by the firm's design and engineering teams on its hi-tech platform known as Versatile Vehicle Architecture or VVH. A spokesman told us: "We're using VVH in our new mid-engined supercar, but first we wanted to show the industry how versatile it could be." The Porsche 911 rival he is referring to will be the all-new Esprit, which we showed testing in prototype form in Issue 824. The APX also has a new 300bhp supercharged 3.0-litre V6. Performance is key to this family lugger's appeal, and with a 190bhp per tonne power-to-weight ratio, it is a real driver's car.

    Although Lotus will display the people carrier at Geneva during the press days, it will have disappeared by the time the public is admitted. That's because bosses want to advertise their design and engineering expertise to big car firms which might want to commission Lotus to develop new models for them. Meanwhile, the next-generation Esprit is due to go on sale early in 2008, and will be revealed late next year.
    Chris Thorp
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  2. bdog

    bdog Formula Junior

    Jul 10, 2004
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    that cool and a neat idea as long as they don't sell it
     
  3. jungathart

    jungathart Guest

    Jun 11, 2004
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    Komrade Jung
    I like that rear glass treatment.
     
  4. WJHMH

    WJHMH Two Time F1 World Champ
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    I wonder if it's going to be Toyota powered?
     
  5. matteo

    matteo F1 World Champ

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    lol!
     
  6. GrigioGuy

    GrigioGuy Splenda Daddy
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    Well, in fairness, Lotus has built several 4 seaters in the past. It's not that different from an Elite with more ground clearance
     
  7. Etcetera

    Etcetera Two Time F1 World Champ
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    It'll be built on the same platform as the Proton Pile.
     
  8. murcie.mania

    murcie.mania Rookie

    May 6, 2005
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    Edward Thomson
    As mentioned, it's a "vehicle" (excuse the pun) for Lotus' advanced platform and manufacturing technology. It's just that. I don't believe there are production plans, it's just there to try to convince other, richer, manufacturers to invest in the company and associated technologies.

    Don't panic yet!
     
  9. Lemke

    Lemke F1 Rookie

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    Daniel
    i hope you are right
     
  10. lotustt

    lotustt Formula 3

    Aug 28, 2002
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    TRM
    Yes this is the reason. Its to showcase their advanced VVA chassis technology. How you can build several differenty types of niche cars all on the same platform. The platform can vary in size to accomodate sedans, sportscars and the suv type vehicle. That vehicle drawing was designed by Lotus though, but there are no plans to build it.

    p.s. I like the design of that vehicle though.
     

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